While some people have blamed Lythgoe for poor choices of theme nights on "American Idol," former "Idol" competitor Jacob Lusk showed support for the show's former executive producer.

"You are one the best things that's ever happened to TV," Lusk tweeted.

Fox confirmed Lythgoe's firing, and that of fellow executive producer Ken Warwick, in a statement.

"The passion and dedication that Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick brought to American Idol guided the show to become a true cultural phenomenon," the statement said. "While we are saddened they will no longer be executive producers on the show, we are grateful for their tremendous contributions and look forward to continuing to work with them on additional projects."